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Modern A-11 style watch with accurate dimensions

wagudc
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I am seriously considering this A-11 style watch from Praesidus. It comes in authentic 32mm dimensions, stainless steel case, 10am water resistance, and a manual wind Swiss Soprod. I own an original that is in very good shape, but I am reluctant to wear it. I like the idea of a robust, true to the original recreation. What do you all think for $545?

https://praesidus.com/products/a-11-type-44-white?variant=39861871083623

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JwRosenthal
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I feel like this was an answer to a question that nobody asked. Originals can be had in near flawless condition for that and at 32mm (the original was 31mm) it’s not worth it IMO as I find mine very small. The 38mm however may be worth investigating.
 
wagudc
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I have an original in near perfect condition, but rarely wear it partly because I am afraid to chip the chrome and the lack of water resistance. I have a 6.5 in wrist and prefer 32 over 38. Not sure I would wear this one that much, but I respect the guts it takes to release a 32mm mans watch these days.
 
JwRosenthal
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wagudc wagudc
I have an original in near perfect condition, but rarely wear it partly because I am afraid to chip the chrome and the lack of water resistance. I have a 6.5 in wrist and prefer 32 over 38. Not sure I would wear this one that much, but I respect the guts it takes to release a 32mm mans watch these days.
I’m with you on that part. If I’m to take the counterpoint of my opinion, it’s nice that someone has decided to make a faithful reproduction of one of the most practical watches ever made with modern materials and water resistance.
 
sheepdoll
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I have bits and pieces of one. Did not even know I had it till a few months ago. So I have been following them on eBay. Lost out on a bid today for the same movement in a PW case (that would be tiny, like a nurses watch.) For some reason I have the sweep hands, but the regular hands are lost. I did order a card of generic 8/0 leaf hands a few weeks ago. Will have to paint them white. Curiously I have several dials.

I think some of the watches I have are from the 1940s. As I have noted I got some of this practice material as a boxed lot. While not military per se, they may have had some connection. Some of these watches have seen hard use, One I posted (probably from the 1960s or 1970s) was completely flattened.

I am more interested as I like the size. I also seem to have a flair for watches with black dials. Probably as I trend for things uncommon.
 
wagudc
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
I’m with you on that part. If I’m to take the counterpoint of my opinion, it’s nice that someone has decided to make a faithful reproduction of one of the most practical watches ever made with modern materials and water resistance.

That is essentially my point, but I wonder if an 80s Hamilton Khaki could be made waterproof, still have a small profile, high readability and cost half as much without being a copy of something.
 
JwRosenthal
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wagudc wagudc
That is essentially my point, but I wonder if an 80s Hamilton Khaki could be made waterproof, still have a small profile, high readability and cost half as much without being a copy of something.
Well, that’s not an A11, now is it. Bulova has made a couple attempts at an A11ish watch but haven’t really tried very hard. I know they have it in them.

If Bulova made a seriously attempt to remake this watch, with the case shape, finish (in stainless of course) the heft, the silky smooth manual winding and that lovely satin diall with matte white hands in a 34-36mm, it would be a daily wear for me.
 
wagudc
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
Well, that’s not an A11, now is it.

True, but neither is the Praesidus. The question is what are the chances that an older Khaki could be made water resistant enough to not worry about being caught in a rainstorm.
 
JwRosenthal
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I really don’t see any reason an old khaki couldn’t be water resistant considering a fresh case back seal and verification that the crown seal is still good (pressure test) will give it a clean bill of health.

But why opt for an older khaki when there isn’t much of a difference from the newer ones?

Here’s a link to the current Bulova A11 attempt- not bad and love the blue, but 37mm which may be biggish for you and thick at 13mm (why did they have to do an auto??),

https://windupwatchshop.com/products/a-11-hack-watch
 
wagudc
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I agree the Timor is too much $$$. The MOD is one to keep my out for. The new Khaki's are cool especially the bronze one, but I prefer the older 33mm to the current 38mm. The only problem is @Myron has bought them all already:

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JwRosenthal
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Don’t forget the Benrus D-Day 40th Anniv watch that is indeed 33mm. Stainless case, has a manual wind eta in it- they are solid watches.
 
wagudc
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
Don’t forget the Benrus D-Day 40th Anniv watch that is indeed 33mm. Stainless case, has a manual wind eta in it- they are solid watches.

If you see one, send me a link. 😀
 
NikolShep
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wagudc wagudc
Perhaps, I should edit my request to say. "If you see one at a reasonable price, send me a link." I think the seller is a bit optimistic about the price.
That was exactly my thought 👍
 
RevZMan123
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The price for me too has kept me.feom buying them. Like was mentioned, a Hamilton is almost the same price.

Their Marsden Mat models might be more interesting as they are literally a piece of history.
 
Duracuir1
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wagudc wagudc
Perhaps, I should edit my request to say. "If you see one at a reasonable price, send me a link." I think the seller is a bit optimistic about the price.
From 1947 in Popular Mechanics…
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